The skipped getting a big back in the NFL draft, but apparently the Steelers aren't ready to give up on finding a new partner for Willie Parker.The Tribune-Review reports that the Steelers are talking with former 49ers and Jets running back Kevan Barlow. Barlow's agent says that a deal could be completed in time to have Barlow at the team's minicamp next weekend. Signing Barlow wouldn't clearly solve the Steelers need for a big back, but it does give them another option to try out in training camp.
At one point Barlow seemed on his way to becoming an NFL star. In 2003, he rushed for 1,024 yards, averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored six touchdowns. But ever since then, Barlow's been slowly working his way out of the league. His average yards per carry since then are depressing: 3.4 in 2004, 3.3 in 2005 and a horrendous 2.8 in 2006. Last year he was part of a three-way competition for the starting job, but he quickly fell out of favor in New York--in 131 carries, his longest gain was 12 yards. He didn't run with the power that the team expected, and was quickly sent to the sideline in favor of Leon Washington and Cedric Houston. The Jetrs released him after the season.
The ESPN.com insider's scouting report ($) says that Barlow showed a tendency to tippy-toe to the line last year instead of hitting the hole hard and that he didn't play nearly as big as his 6-foot-1, 235 pound frame would indicate. The other knock against him is that he clashed with coaches in San Francisco, although a lot of guys hated the Dennis Erickson-era in San Francisco.
But Barlow seems to be a low-risk option for the Steelers. He'll likely sign a rather modest deal and if he doesn't work out, he can be kicked to the curb before the season begins. But if he does show up in shape and running hard, he's more of a power back than Najeh Davenport, even if Davenport outweighs him by 25 pounds.
